Hanger with arms that interlock via three dimensional action

ABSTRACT

A unitary attachment mechanism has two opposed arms extending from a resilient hinge. Each opposed arm has a hook at its distal end, and the hooks curve in opposite directions from each other. In an embodiment, at least the hook ends of the arms are biased towards each other in the Z direction to provide for them to be engaged in an interwoven crisscross fashion upon compression of the arms towards each other in the X direction and release. Devices of the present inventions are particularly suitable for hanging ornaments but have many other uses.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to devices for hanging or attachment ofone item to another, and more particularly to hangers having opposedarms with terminal hook members that can be engaged and disengaged viathree dimensional action for connecting a portion of at least two itemsto each other.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many different types of wire and plastic hangers and otherattachment mechanisms. For example, some attachment mechanisms are usedfor suspending decorative ornaments from limbs of Christmas trees.Numerous disadvantages have been encountered in using the priordecorative ornament hangers. Many of the conventional ornament hangersutilize one hook for engaging a loop on the decorative ornament andanother hook at the opposite end of the hanger for engaging the limb orbranch from which the ornament is to be suspended. Because the hooks donot form closed loops, ornaments frequently fall and break whenaccidentally bumped or brushed. This sometimes happens because theornament becomes disengaged from the hanger, and sometimes happensbecause the hanger itself becomes disengaged from the limb or branch towhich it is attached. In either case, fragile and breakable ornamentsare frequently damaged or ruined whenever they fall to the floor.

Another disadvantage encountered with many metal wire hangers is thatthey have sharp edges, and break if bent too many times.

Suggested solutions can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,738,424, U.S. Pat.No. 4,966,344, U.S. Pat. No. 6,340,238, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,347,780. Thetext of all patents and other documents referenced herein, includingdocuments referenced within referenced documents, is hereby incorporatedby reference as if same were reproduced in full below.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,738,424, to Connor, discloses an apparatus for securingarticles to a line, rod or other elongated cylindrical support. Theapparatus includes two wire flanges biased by a coil spring from whichthey extend. The flanges include opposed-opening hooks, one at the endof each flange. The hooks form an opening when the springed flanges arecompressed, and form a closed attachment means when the flanges arereleased. The flanges are substantially co-planar when in the compressedand released positions. A hook retainer is used to hold the hookstogether when in the closed position.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,966,344, to Gary, discloses a plastic ornament hangerthat comprises opposed, recurved overlapping jaws adapted to beseparated by the application of a compressive manual force to the hangerso that the jaws can surround and releasably engage the branch to whichthe hanger is to be attached. The hanger also comprises a snap rib andsnap rib channel formed in a hinge or pivot connecting the opposinglimbs forming the jaws. A snap rib on one limb can engage a snap ribchannel on the opposing limb to hold the jaws together. The hingeincludes a space for insertion of an ornament hanging loop.Disengagement of the snap rib from the snap rib channel separates thelimbs to open the hanger. The rib engages the channel solely viafrictional force. If the channel has high friction, it will be difficultto open and close the device, and if it has low friction, the devicewill too easily release. Further, to achieve optimal and consistentperformance characteristics, there can be little tolerance for error inmanufacture of the rib and rib channel.

While the attachment mechanisms of Conner and Gary have advantages overtheir predecessors, it is desired to have an attachment or hangingmechanism that is easier to manufacture, simple in design, and providesfor direct interlocking of its hook members.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention involves a unitary attachmentmechanism (or clasp) that has two opposed resilient arms extending froma hinge. The arms have opposed curved hooks at or near their tip ends.The hooks curve in substantially opposite directions from each other,and can be engaged by articulating the arms in three dimensions, orlikewise disengaged from an engaged position by articulating the arms.

Description of the invention may be facilitated using Cartesiancoordinates. In the Figures the X direction is horizontal, the Ydirection is vertical, and the Z direction is perpendicular to the X andY directions, i.e., into and out of the page. In a perspective view, theCartesian coordinate orientations match those of the plan view (i.e.,the X, Y and Z directions used in describing the device are the same asin a plan view of the device, only adjusted in the perspective view tomatch the corresponding difference in angular position between the pointof reference for the plan view and for that of the perspective view).

The distal ends of the arms can be pressed towards each othersubstantially parallel to or in a first X-Y plane containing the hinge(e.g., moved towards each other in the X direction in or parallel to thefirst X-Y plane) so that the arms cross sufficiently in the X directionto permit interlacing or interlocking of the hooks, and at least one tipend moved in a direction that does not coincide with the first plane(e.g., the Z direction) to interlock the hooks or disengage interlockedhooks upon release of the arms to move away from each other. By spacingthe distal ends of the arms from each other in the Z direction,frictional resistance to clasping and unclasping is substantiallyeliminated. In the alternative, at least one of the tip ends of the armscan be biased toward the other and curved to project at an angle fromthe first plane, e.g. 7-10° in the Z direction towards the other arm, tofacilitate interlocking of the hooks when the arms are sufficientlyoverlapped in the X and Z directions and subsequently released. Hence,when the arms sufficiently overlap in the X direction wherein one armand the hinge lie substantially in a first X-Y plane, and the tip end ofthe other arm is moved in the Z direction towards the other tip end sothat the arms sufficiently overlap in the Z-direction, the arms andhooks can be engaged in an interwoven crisscross fashion to create asecure attachment upon release of the arms resiliently biased away fromeach other in the X direction. Release is accomplished by reversing thesteps to interlock the hooks. In an embodiment, at least the tip ends ofthe arms are resiliently biased toward each other in the Z direction.

These and other advantages of the present invention and variousembodiments thereof are more fully described below with reference to thefollowing drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of an attachment mechanism of thepresent invention in top plan view in open (i.e., unlocked) position atrest. Note that open sides of the hooks face away from each other in theX direction and an optional at rest gap exists between the two hooks inat least the X direction (alternatively the at rest hook gap exists inat least the Y direction) so that no obstruction exists for an item,e.g., ornament hoop, to enter the clasp bite space.

FIG. 2 illustrates the attachment mechanism of FIG. 1 with the armscompressed towards each other in the X direction so that the armsoverlap and the open sides of the hooks face each other. Note that thetips of the arms have moved past each other in the X direction so thateach tip is free to move in the Z direction without interference fromthe other hook. This position is a locking or unlocking positiondepending on which direction at least one of the hooks is moved withrespect to the other in the Z direction.

FIG. 3 illustrates the attachment mechanism of FIG. 1 with the armscompressed towards each other so that the arms and hooks overlap. Thisis an intermediate position between the at-rest configuration and thecompressed configuration shown in FIG. 2. However, an alternativeembodiment is envisioned where the configuration of FIG. 3 is an at restconfiguration.

FIG. 4 illustrates the attachment mechanism of FIG. 1 with the armsinterlocked via the double crisscrossed overlap of the hooks.

FIGS. 5A-B illustrate two exemplary embodiments of devices of thepresent inventions, wherein the device of FIG. 5A has an unclaspedat-rest gap between the hooks, whereas the device of FIG. 5B has anunclasped at-rest configuration that provides a slight overlap of theinner curve of the hooks.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a side perspective view of a device of thepresent invention. Note that, starting from the hinge and moving towardsthe tips, the arms have a slight bow shape in the Z direction (inaddition to bowing away from each other in the X direction) with onetip/hook being biased towards the other. This facilitates interlockingof the hooks when the arms are compressed towards each othersufficiently in the X direction, e.g., as shown in FIG. 2, and then thearms released to move apart in the X direction.

FURTHER DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, an embodiment of the present invention isillustrated. Hanger 10 comprises a hinge portion 12, arms 14 and 16, andhooks 18 and 20. The hanger in FIG. 1 has the general appearance of theGreek letter omega (upside down in the Figures). Arms 14 and 16 have bowsections 19 and 21 that cause them to extend outward from each other inthe X direction to form a first opening 22 of suitable size to encircletwo items to be connected together by hanger 10. The clasp bite spacedefined by first opening 22 is determined by the length and curvature ofthe arms extending from the hinge to the point where the hooks can movefreely with respect to each other in the Z direction when the arms areoverlapped in the X direction (the hook “engagement/disengagement”position, “lock/unlock” position, or “clasp/unclasp” position). Hence,where items of small dimensions are to be connected together the claspbite space can be relatively small, whereas greater curvatures in andlengths of the arms 16 and/or 14 can enable larger items to be connectedtogether. The portions of the arms 14 and/or 16 forming the bite spacecan be altered and/or “keyed” to accommodate different shapes as well.For example, if it is desired that an item or items not rotate in theclasp, the bite space shape can match one or more portions of one ormore items to be connected by the clasp. Further, hinge 12 can bemodified to accommodate different uses.

One use for the embodiment of FIG. 1 is, when sized appropriately, as aChristmas tree ornament hanger, wherein after inserting one of the armsthrough the ornament hanger wire or string loop, the first opening 22 issized to accommodate a tree branch when the device is in the claspedconfiguration. The insertion of the ornament hanger wire or string loopinto hinge 12 may serve to bar further compression of the arms togetherin the X direction or even bias the arms apart to enhance the gripbetween the engaged hooks.

A hook, e.g., 18 and 20, is located at the distal end of each bowsection 19 and 21, and can be described as having three sections. Thedistal direction is defined herein as the direction projecting away fromhinge 12 generally toward hooks 18 and 20 (since the ends of the arms ofthe devices of the present invention can move in the X, Y and Zdirections, the distal direction may vary in all three coordinates).Hence, each arm has a hinge end and a distal end. For example, the hingeends are 30 and 32.

Referring to hook 18, an inwardly curved section 24 meets an outwardlycurved section 26 that terminates in tip 28, leaving a first hookopening 34 sufficiently large for a portion of the shaft forming hook 20to be inserted therethrough, while hook 20 encircles a second hookopening of suitable size for the shaft forming opposite hook 18 to becontained within.

Hanger 10 is preferably made of a moldable polymeric resin selected fromthe group consisting of nylon or other suitable polyamide, an acrylate,an acetal, a polystyrene, polypropylene, and polyethylene, although itis understood that other resins can also be used satisfactorily providedthat any such resin has sufficient flexibility and resilience tofunction in the manner described herein. The device may be injectionmolded. The hanger can also be formed of metal, wood and/or a composite(e.g., like a bow used to shoot arrows) provided the constructionmaterials have sufficient flexibility and resilience to function in themanner described herein. In an embodiment, the dimensions of mechanismsof the present invention and the materials comprising same depend uponthe size and strength requirements to which the mechanism will be used,e.g., the amount of force that can be withstood without the mechanismfailing.

Devices of the present inventions are preferably formed by molding,e.g., injection molding. Alternatively, the inventions may bemanufactured by stamping. There are numerous other ways of manufacturingthe devices as one of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate. In anembodiment, devices were formed of nylon sheet cut to the desired form,and functioned acceptably.

FIGS. 2-6 illustrate how devices of the present inventions function andsome exemplary alternative embodiments. Referring to the embodimentshown in FIG. 6, the distal ends of the arms are biased towards eachother. If the hanger in FIG. 1 was rotated 90° to provide an end view,only the side of one arm and the side of the hinge would be seen.However, such an end view illustration of the device in FIG. 6 wouldshow the hooks crisscrossed in the Z direction. As the arms of thedevice of FIG. 6 are compressed towards each other in the X directionfrom the position shown, the hanger will first reach the configurationof FIG. 3. If compressed further, the hanger will reach theconfiguration shown in FIG. 2, wherein a gap 36 exists between the tipsof the hooks of the overlapped arms. Due to the biasing of the hookstowards each other in the Z direction, when there is sufficient armoverlap for gap 36 to exist, the distal ends of the arms will movetowards each other in the Z direction to cross. It should be understoodthat when gap 36 is 0 or more crossing of the hooks in the Z directionwill occur when the distal ends of the arms are biased towards eachother in the Z direction. In an embodiment, the crossing in the Zdirection may be initiated when there is an overlap of the tips ends ifthe tip ends are sufficiently flexible. This crossing in the Z directioncan be counteracted to disengage the clasp by manipulating the hooksagainst the Z bias. When the hooks of the overlapped arms are crossed inthe Z direction, release of the arms to move apart in the X directionwill cause the arms and hooks to be engaged in an interwoven crisscrossfashion, or double crisscross configuration, illustrated in FIG. 4;otherwise, the device will return to the configuration of FIG. 6.

FIG. 5 illustrates two different embodiments. In FIG. 5A, there is anat-rest hook gap 40 between the hooks in the X direction when the hooksare not interlocked. In FIG. 5B, this at-rest hook gap is eliminated,and the arms overlap in the X direction when at rest. The embodiment ofFIG. 5B might be used, for example, for light weight ornaments, whereineven if the hooks are accidentally not interlocked or unlocked, theornaments might still stay attached where desired if the arms are biasedtogether sufficiently.

Referring further to FIG. 5, in an embodiment, a portion of the uppersurface 42 on hook 18 can engage and slide against the correspondinglower surface of hook 20. Surface 42 and the corresponding lower hooksurface of 20 can be shaped and have a smooth texture to easeinterlocking of the hooks 18 and 20. However, the inner edges 44 and 46of hooks 18 and 20 can have a different, rougher or tacky (e.g.,adhesive) texture, to facilitate keeping the hooks from coming apartwhen engaged. In an embodiment, inner edges 44 and 46 can have ridgesthat extend at opposed angles, forming a ratchet mechanism that enhancesthe clasp lock strength.

While the embodiment of FIG. 6 has the hooks biased toward each other inthe Z direction to facilitate interlocking from an unlocked position, inanother embodiment, the arms do not have to have any particular bias inthe Z direction. In this case, the arms must be manipulated sufficientlyto overlap in both the X and Z direction. In a preferred embodiment,this can be done by compressing the arms between the two fingers of onehand.

An exemplary embodiment of a Christmas tree ornament hanger has a lengthfrom hinge to each distal arm end of about ½ inch to about 2 inches anda greatest at-rest width of about ¼ inch to about 2 inches. Thethickness of the arms is about 1/32^(nd) inch to about ⅛ inch, butpreferably between about 1/32^(nd) inch and 1/16^(th) inch or 1/10^(th)inch. Arm width (versus overall device greatest width) can be aboutequal to our greater than arm thickness. In am embodiment, the overalldevice components can have the same thickness and width (i.e., thehinge, arms and hooks have the same thickness and width), although thehook tips at the ends of the arms are preferably tapered. In anexemplary embodiment, the ornament is formed of a polyamide, such as butnot limited to nylon. Of course, much larger devices can be formed, afoot or more in size, for large public displays and other uses.

ADVANTAGES

Many advantages arise from the present invention. The device is veryeasy and inexpensive to manufacture, and has no complicated parts. Thedouble crisscross overlap of the hooks and/or arms creates a very stronggrip, reducing the risk of accidental detachment.

The foregoing are non-limiting examples of the advantages of the presentinvention. In view of these advantages, one of skill in the art willdesire new devices constructed in accordance with the present invention.For example, the tips can rounded or be in a shape that facilitates thatinterlocking action.

A cam mechanism can be included on at least one arm to facilitate thethree dimensional interlocking action.

The present pioneer invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments only, and incorporates by reference numerousteachings. Therefore, many variations to the disclosed embodiments areenvisioned to be within the teachings and spirit of the presentapplication.

1. A unitary attachment mechanism, comprising: two opposed armsextending from a resilient hinge, each of said arms having a curved hookat or near the distal end thereof, the direction of curvature of eachsaid hook being substantially opposite that of the other said hook,wherein said arms can be pressed towards each other substantiallyparallel to or in a first plane containing said hinge and overlap, andwhen said arms overlap sufficiently to a first compressed stage, atleast one distal end moved towards the other distal end in a directionthat does not coincide with the first plane to interlock said hooks ordisengage interlocked hooks upon release of said arms from said firstcompressed stage to move away from each other in or substantiallyparallel to said first plane.
 2. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein saidarms and said hooks can be engaged in an interwoven crisscross fashion.3. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein said mechanism comprises a materialselected from the group consisting of a polyamide, an acrylate, anacetal, a polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene, metal, and wood. 4.The mechanism of claim 3, wherein said material comprises nylon.
 5. Themechanism of claim 1, wherein said mechanism has a length from saidhinge to each distal arm end of about ½ inch to about 2 inches and agreatest at-rest width of about ¼ inch to about 2 inches.
 6. Themechanism of claim 5, wherein said arms have a thickness of about1/32^(nd) inch to about ⅛ inch.
 7. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein thedimensions of said mechanism and the materials comprising same dependupon the size and strength requirements to which the mechanism will beused.
 8. An ornament hanger, comprising the mechanism of claim
 1. 9. AChristmas tree ornament hanger, comprising the mechanism of claim
 1. 10.An attachment mechanism, comprising: two opposed arms extending from ahinge, each of said arms having a curved hook at or near the distal endthereof, the direction of curvature of each said hook beingsubstantially opposite that of the other said hook, a first of said armshaving a first said hook and having portions in a first plane with saidhinge, and the distal portion of said second arm capable of movementwith respect to said first hook both in the X, Y and Z direction,wherein at least a portion of at least one arm or said hinge isresilient, wherein said arms can be pressed towards each othersubstantially parallel to or in said first plane to overlap, and whensaid arms overlap sufficiently to a first compressed stage movement ofsaid distal portion of said second arm in the Z direction towards saidfirst hook will cause said arms to overlap in the Z direction andwherein movement of said arms away from each other in the X and/or Ydirection will interlock said hooks, whereby said resiliency will helpmaintain said hooks interlocked.